Knowing The Word in Luke 8:16-18

A Lamp Under a Jar

8:16 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Comments

Jesus’ followers must let the light within them shine forth as Jesus shone forth. This saying of the lamp links up with the previous parable of the sower. The follower of Jesus is to shine forth and illumine the world, bearing fruit. If we use what God gives us, the spreading of the kingdom of God will increase. Yet Jesus ends with a stern warning about using what we have received with generosity, for if we do not, what we have will be removed.

Application

What has the Lord given to you? What are your spiritual gifts and your natural gifts? Are you an extroverted people-person or an introverted, private person? One person will reach out to others, naturally sharing good news while the other might be an intercessory prayer person. We each have our own gifting from God that is to be used for his purposes. We can rejoice in how he has made us and give him thanks by using these gifts.

Prayer

My heavenly Father, I am marvelously made by you. You have given me a unique personality and glory of being created in your image. I am thankful and grateful and willing to be used for your greater purposes as your Spirit moves me today to minister to others for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Lord.